Radio Upgrade H3 Hummer


Published:

, ,

Modified:


How to upgrade the H3 Hummer radio and sound system to be more than adequate is incredibly easy. First, the vehicle needs to have Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. This way the head unit has hands-free access to phone calls, turn-by-turn directions, and more importantly the music or podcasts on the phone. Be it YouTube Music, Spotify, Apple Music, or any of the many other services available. Second, there is a necessary adapter that Crutchfield sells for both the subwoofer equipped H3 Hummer or the H3 Hummer without the subwoofer. To know if the Hummer has a subwoofer, open up the rear tailgate, on the driverside just below the window there is either is a subwoofer or a closing storage area. Finally, for the best-integrated system purchase the OnStar Microphone Adapter and the H3 Hummer Backup Camera Mount.

Music streaming services and podcasts have taken over because the uniquely customize channels to the individual user are on-demand as requested. Getting a ticket from a police officer for operating a vehicle while using a cell phone is a horrible experience. On-screen turn-by-turn navigation on the dash makes long distant traveling a lot easier. Asking the assistant questions and getting answers is an absolute joy. When purchasing a new radio, or head unit, for an H3 Hummer having Android Auto or Apple CarPlay integrated is a must.

Side-By-Side comparison of GM’s H3 Navigation and Sony XAV-AX200

The head unit radio that is currently in my H3 Hummer is the Sony XAV-AX200. I choose this specific radio because the design looks similar to the factory navigation head unit that was originally equipped with the H3 Hummer. Above is a side-by-side image comparison of the factory H3 Hummer navigation unit on the left and on the right is my Sony XAV-AX200. However, the Sony XAV-AX200 is no longer for sale. This why I now recommend the Sony XAV-AX7000, XAV-AX5000, or the Boss BE7ACP to upgrade the factory radio. The Boss BE7ACP is exceptionally more inexpensive than the two Sony options.

H3 Hummer’s with the circled in red factory sub woofer have the premium Monsoon sound system.

To be able to properly connect the new radio to the H3 Hummer a wiring adapter will need to be purchased. However, pay attention because of which adapter depends on whether or not the vehicle is equipped with a factory subwoofer. Reference the red circle in the image above to know if an H3 Hummer has a factory subwoofer. If the Hummer has the subwoofer go with the Crux SOCGM-17C Wiring Interface to properly connect the radio. Otherwise, for the H3 Hummers without the subwoofer grab the Axxess AX-GMCL2 Wiring Interface. The significance of looking for the subwoofer is to know if the H3 Hummer was originally equipped with the premium Moonsoon Sound System. All H3 Hummer GM Moonsoon Sound Systems have a subwoofer.

The mounting of the new radio into the H3 Hummer dash requires the Metra 95-3304 Dash Kit. This plastic kit from Metra allows for the radio to be properly mounted in the dash. Without the Metra dash kit, there is no way to properly secure the radio inside the dash. Then there is also the issue with connecting the FM and AM radio antenna to the new radio which is solved with the Metra 40-GM10 Antenna Adapter. The GM Hummer radio antenna wiring plug is a non-traditional size and requires the use of this Metra Antenna Adapter to properly plug into the new radio.

The OnStar Microphone Adapter makes connecting the GM factory microphone to an aftermarket radio easy. No longer will there be an unsightly aftermarket microphone poorly clipped onto the headliner. To connect the adapter to the microphone, just disconnect it from the wiring harness. Plug in the OnStar Microphone Adapter to the microphone and then run a 3.5mm male-to-male headphone jack to the back of the radio. Please note that some radio’s use a 2.5mm headphone jack for the microphone and in that case a 3.5mm male to 2.5mm male headphone jack of some combination will be required.

While installing this new radio into the H3 Hummer I also recommend purchasing this H3 Hummer Backup Camera Mount. This backup camera mount is small, simple, and well hidden inside the spare tire for a factory look. Federal law has required that all new passenger cars, trucks, vans, and other vehicles weighing less than 10,000 pounds be equipped with rearview monitoring technology. There’s no reason why H3 Hummer needs to remain in the past. I personally choose a Pioneer NDBC8 for a back camera based on its combination of low light brightness, quality, and affordability.

Perfect H3 Hummer Radio Background Image

H3 Hummer New Radio Check List

  • Android Auto / Apple CarPlay Radio
  • Wiring Interface – Crux SOCGM-17C or Axxess AX-GMCL2
  • Metra 95-3304 Dash Kit
  • Metra 40-GM10 Antenna Adapter
  • OnStar Microphone Adapter
  • 3.5mm Male to 3.5mm Male Headphone Wire
  • H3 Hummer Backup Camera Mount
  • Pioneer NDBC8 Universal CMOS Surface Mount Backup Camera

With a complete installation with all of those parts listed above the H3 Hummer will feel similar to a completely modern vehicle, have a better functing radio, and a more enjoyable experience. If the wiring and ordering the correct parts seem difficult, I recommend using Crutchfield’s Outfit My Car web page to aid with purchasing the necessary parts. More importantly, Crutchfield also offers a service where they correctly connect the wires so that the new radio will litterally be plug and play ready to go when it arrives in the box.

watermark

  1. Thanks so much for a truly informative website. You answered ALL my questions clearly and concisely.

  2. Felicia Felix Avatar

    Has anyone been able to find the On star microphone adapter? A dealer in CA says discontinued?

    1. Schwarttzy Avatar

      Hey Felicia!

      I designed and sell the OnStar Microphone Adapter. They’re for sale on my website. Here’s the link https://schwarttzy.com/product/onstar-microphone-adapter/

  3. Matt Thompson Avatar

    I have not taken my dysfunctional stereo out yet, but I have looked at the photos inside the dash on Crutchfield. When required, the rear mounting bracket must be removed by “cutting or unbolting.” I am guessing this is a generic disclaimer: it looks like the tab for the pin in the rear of the stereo MUST be cut from what looks like a structural tube. Or am I mistaken? Can the tube safely be removed by unbolting? That looks like it might require much more extensive dash disassembly, if possible.

    1. Schwarttzy Avatar

      I never have to cut anything to make it work in my H3, bolted right up. Although, I wish I could flip the mounting plastic bracket for a bit better view of the screen. BUT it’s not worth the time or effort.

      1. Matt Thompson Avatar

        I know that on Crutchfield, a lot of people complained that the Metra kit had the left and right ears marked backwards, both for the Hummer and Corvette installations (same kit), is that what you are referring to?

        Looking harder and harder at finally pulling the trigger on doing mine.

        1. Schwarttzy Avatar

          The metra kit worked great in my H3 Hummer for mounting the head unit. It’s not perfect, but more than get the job done.

  4. Pete Halsted Avatar

    I just purchased a 2008 H3 with the Adventure Package and has the Monsoon sound system. It has a Hieha aftermarket radio in it, that doesn’t support Android Auto just mirror link (which is apparently dead?).

    It picks up horrible electrical feedback from the engine. I am guessing this is because they didn’t use the correct adapters for the amp and speakers? It sounds good when engine isn’t running.

    I want to upgrade to a better radio with Android Auto, but my first fear is has the initial installation already damaged this I need? Second it looks like there is about a $120 difference between the Boss with Wireless Android and the Boss you recommended, is it worth spending the extra $120?

    1. Schwarttzy Avatar

      At this point, I wouldn’t worry about the $120 price difference, UNLESS it has wireless android auto support.

  5. Michael Jaggers Avatar

    Hey! I purchased the OnStar Mic adapter recently. I used the male to male 3.5mm jack and ran it to the back of the head-unit (Sony XAVAX1000) but it simply will not work. I can hear calls through the speakers but I have no mic support 🙁 Any suggestions?

  6. Dewayne ethington Avatar

    Ya I have a hummer h3 and I put a boss stereo in it I used the socgm-17c like I have seen radio works fine but I got no sound and the blue light is blinking I do have the monsoon amp

    1. Schwarttzy Avatar

      Dewayne, just above in this post I clearly show an image that is the easiest way to know if you have the monsoon amp. If you have subwoofer in the trunk you have the monsoon amp, otherwise you don’t. Based on the question you asked, I think you should seek professional help to correctly wire your radio.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *